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Fact Sheet for Individuals, Self-Advocates, Families, and Friends

The Risks

Heat stroke, hypothermia and other medical complications related to dangerously high or low temperatures in the vehicle ‒ infants and young children, elderly adults, people who are overweight or who have chronic medical conditions including those taking medications such as psychotropic medications and diuretics are at a higher risk for heat stroke, hypothermia and other medical complications related to extremely high or low body temperatures.

Accidents and other emergencies ‒ lack of caregiver attention to a person who requires supervision and support can lead to many dangerous situations, including neglect of an individual’s personal care and medical needs, prevention of high risk behaviors and accidents.

What You Can Do

Speak Up. Alert the driver if you fear someone is about to be left behind.

Speak Out. Ask transportation providers and other service providers to share their transportation safety plan with you.

Request that policies that include “Look Before You Leave” protocols for drivers and aides, agency attendance and emergency contact procedures for unexpected absences, and emergency search procedures that prioritize checking transport vehicles immediately for missing vulnerable persons.